Orion, Tema Telecoms announce BEE partnership

Empowerment in the telecommunications sector has received a shot in the arm with the announcement of a partnership between Orion Telecom and Tema Telecoms.

Orion is a provider of innovative telephony solutions that help lower the operating cost of businesses through lower-cost communications. Tema Telecoms is a black-empowered value-added reseller (VAR) that will drive Orion Telecom`s solutions further into a market that is increasingly demanding solutions to the issue of exorbitant telephony costs. Under the terms of the partnership, Orion will facilitate the transfer of skills to strengthen empowerment in the telecommunications sector.

According to Orion Telecom director, Jacques du Toit, the partnership seeks to address the need for BEE strategy roll-out by big businesses as recognised by the ICT BEE charter. "Empowerment is recognised by Orion as an imperative to improve financial well-being of all South Africans and SA as a whole. We`re pleased with this initiative as we believe it will add real value to the market while improving the services Tema has to offer," says Du Toit.

Orion Telecom has been working with Tema Telecom since 2001 on an ad hoc basis, which has been formalised under the terms of the new arrangement. "Our partnership is structured to deliver mutual returns while transferring vital skills to previously disadvantaged individuals at all levels within Tema," explains Du Toit.

Managing director at Tema Telecom, Trevor Teledi, says the telecoms sector is badly in need of empowerment. "Telecoms is one of the driving forces within the ICT sector and yet very little is being done to drive empowerment. At this stage there are very few, if any, major BEE players. We have seen with the SNO that those BEE companies that want to participate in the market don`t have the finances to contribute on the same level."

He adds that the lack of critical skills transfer is leading to a serious skills shortage within the industry. "Unfortunately, many companies are approaching BEE in a manner which is not sustainable. I believe companies should not bring on BEE partners simply to get a sale - which essentially amounts to tokenism - but should rather build their business, empower their people with skills and support, and then leverage their efforts to provide real value to the industry."

Tema Telecoms has chosen to partner with Orion Telecom because of its commitment to skills transfer and its expertise in the telecommunication market. Orion has already provided substantial business and technical support to the company. On the back of ongoing support Tema Telecoms intends to leverage Orion`s solutions and growing presence to maximise growth opportunities in the telecommunications sector.

The partnership is expected to increase market share for both companies in the public sector as well as with businesses seeking to increase procurement through BEE organisations.

"As a BEE company we have to supply the same, if not better, technology, skills, service and support as our competitors. This partnership provides us with a platform to grow and reach these goals," says Teledi.

"As black economic empowerment becomes a critical point on the business agenda, genuinely empowered companies such as Tema Telecoms have the opportunity to take advantage of the skills and development that big companies like Orion can offer," adds Du Toit.

"Empowerment is long overdue in the telecommunication space and partnerships such as this are brightening the future for black solution providers. We intend to lead this industry by example. We are taking the opportunities presented to us through this partnership and we will show the market the value that can be had when real empowerment takes place," Teledi concludes.